Influence of training protocols on text input speed on a computer in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury: a randomised controlled trial

Study design Randomised controlled trial. Objectives To evaluate the impact of two different word prediction software (WPS) training protocols on text input speed (TIS) in people with tetraplegia and to determine which was the most effective. Setting Rehabilitation department, Garches, France. Methods Participants with neurological levels between C6 and C8 were allocated to one of three different groups. The REHAB group underwent training with an occupational therapist. The SELF group carried out a standardised home self-training with a written training guide. The CONTROL group had no training. Participants were assessed at day 15 (D15) and day 30 (D30). The primary outcome was a copying task with and without WPS (WITH and WITHOUT). Results Forty-two participants (mean age ± SD of 39.8 ± 12) were included and 38 completed the study. At D30, the mean (95% confidence interval) difference in TIS between the CONTROL and SELF groups was 3.8 [−1.7 to 9.4] characters per minute (cpm) ( p = 0.23), between the REHAB and SELF groups was 12.9 [7.4 to 18.4] cpm ( p < 0.001), and between the REHAB and CONTROL groups was 9.1 [3.5 to 14.6] cpm ( p < 0.001). Conclusions The results of this study showed that occupational therapist-supervised training improved TIS but word prediction software did not increase TIS. These results suggest that supervised training should be provided to all individuals who are prescribed with devices and systems to facilitate computer access in order to increase their TIS.